About
Melina Rissone
Melina Rissone has more than earned her reputation as one of San Diego’s most skilled and trustworthy real estate brokers. Since 2005 she has been purchasing properties, and earning prestigious awards along the way. Her following of loyal clientele is a testament to the level of dedication she puts forth in every transaction she oversees.
Partnering with Melina gives clients a competitive edge when it comes to accomplishing their real estate goals. Her recognitions exemplify that she is hardworking and a strong negotiator, while her designations showcase that she is committed to staying up to date on market trends and helping those going through life’s toughest transitions.
top 3% of Coldwell Banker sales professionals worldwide, 2021. TOP 4% IN SALES IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY OF ALL SALES PROFESSIONALS, 2021.
AWARDED THE COLDWELL BANKER PRESIDENT’S ELITE AWARD.
Passionate about real estate and its possibilities, Melina specializes and is certified in the following:
Relocation Specialist – San Diego
With years of experience helping clients relocate to and from San Diego, Melina has the expertise needed to make moving smoother. She combines in-depth local market knowledge with proven pricing and marketing strategies to help homes sell quickly, at the right price. Her clients benefit from timely market insights and a seamless transition to their next chapter.
Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and Institute of Luxury Home Marketing Certified.
RCS-D (Real Estate Collaboration Specialist for Divorce) Designation
This designation is for real estate professionals trained to guide clients through complex divorcerelated property decisions. It equips agents to work alongside attorneys and financial experts, maintain neutrality, and help both parties avoid missteps that could harm their legal or financial standing. RCS-D agents help ensure a fair and smooth transition during a difficult time.
SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist)
This certifies that a Realtor has demonstrated the necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50+ through major financial and lifestyle transitions such as relocating, refinancing, planning their retirement, or selling the family home.
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)
This certification reflects Melina’s deep understanding of the aging process and dedication to helping seniors. CSAs meet high ethical standards and are committed to ensuring seniors’ needs are respected and protected.
Whether clients aim to purchase the home of their dreams, sell a property, or make an investment for their future, Melina’s market expertise, proven foresight, and meticulous planning ensure a successful endeavor every time. Melina is bilingual in both English and German.
DRE# 01498140 | (619) 678-1350 | Melina@MelinaRissone.com | www.MelinaRissone.com
Testimonials
We began working with Melina in September on a friend’s recommendation and closed on our house two months later. Melina was incredibly helpful and informative throughout the process. She guided us through consultations, open houses, and negotiations, helping us secure a great deal. Melina’s expertise and calm demeanor were invaluable during uncertain times. I highly recommend her to anyone buying their first home in San Diego!
This is why we do what we do. Read below about our past client’s experiences when working with us. These are the kind of results you can expect when using us to list your home.
First-time homebuyer with my husband and had the best time working with Melina - she was patient with all of our questions and always available to stay on top of tight deadlines and help us secure our dream home! Love her transparency and commitment as a true partner in the process - she made sure we had the best resources and information we needed to understand what we were doing and make our own decisions. Melina let us drive however much we wanted and supported every decision we made, filling in the gaps we were missing from our inexperience. Professional, passionate, and highly recommended!
I recently had the pleasure of working with Melina as my real estate agent and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From start to finish, she provided outstanding service that exceeded my expectations. Melina is incredibly knowledgeable about the local real estate market and offered valuable insights throughout the process. Her communication and responsiveness were impressive, always keeping me informed. Melina’s professionalism and commitment truly set her apart from other real estate agents. Melina was a great asset in my family’s relocation to San Diego two years ago. We found her to be helpful and patient in guiding us as we refined our search. We chose her again this year to sell the property due to changes in family situation. She was knowledgeable and responsive throughout the entire process and actively drove solutions to issues to get us under contract and through closing on both accounts. I was very pleased with her service and would recommend her to others.
UNLOCK YOUR Dream Home
The Power of a Buyer’s Agent in Real Estate
Are you in the market for your dream home? Navigating the complex and dynamic world of real estate can be a daunting task, but fear not – a Buyer’s Agent is your secret weapon to success! Here’s why enlisting the services of a dedicated real estate professional is crucial for turning your homeownership dreams into reality.
Exclusive Representation: When you hire a Buyer’s Agent, you’re securing an advocate who is exclusively committed to your interests. Unlike a seller’s agent who aims to get the best deal for the seller, your agent is dedicated to ensuring you find the perfect home at the best possible terms.
Market Expertise: Real estate markets are ever-evolving landscapes. A Buyer’s Agent brings a wealth of market knowledge to the table, providing insights into local trends, property values, and upcoming developments. This expertise ensures that you make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.
Negotiation Prowess: Negotiating a real estate deal can be intricate and emotionally charged. A skilled Buyer’s Agent is your seasoned negotiator, adept at securing the best possible price, favorable terms, and ensuring that your interests are protected throughout the entire process.
Access to Unlisted Properties: Some of the best homes never make it to online listings. A Buyer’s Agent has access to a vast network and can uncover off-market properties, giving you a competitive edge in finding hidden gems that suit your preferences.
Streamlined Process: Purchasing a home involves a multitude of tasks – from paperwork to inspections, and beyond. A Buyer’s Agent streamlines the process, guiding you through each step, coordinating with other professionals, and ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Transaction Expertise: Real estate transactions come with a myriad of legal complexities. Your Buyer’s Agent is well-versed in the legalities, ensuring that contracts are sound, contingencies are met, and potential legal issues are preemptively addressed.
Time Savings: Searching for a home can be time-consuming. A Buyer’s Agent efficiently narrows down your options, presenting you with properties that align with your criteria, saving you valuable time and effort.
Objective Advice: Emotional attachment can cloud judgment when purchasing a home. A Buyer’s Agent offers a fresh and objective perspective, helping you make rational decisions based on market data and your specific needs.
Embark on your home-buying journey with confidence – enlist the services of a Buyer’s Agent and experience the unparalleled support, expertise, and dedication that will transform your homeownership dreams into reality! Your dream home awaits – let us guide you there.
Why You Need a True Expert in Today’s Housing Market
In today’s fast-changing housing market, having a trusted real estate agent is more important than ever. It’s essential to work with an agent who can guide you through every step of the process.
The reality is, not all agents operate the same way. To truly make a powerful and confident decision as you buy a home, you need a real estate expert who uses their knowledge of what’s really happening with home prices, housing supply, industry projections, and more to give you the best possible advice. Someone you can trust and who can provide clarity is essential to your success. Says Jay Thompson, Real Estate Industry Consultant:
“Housing market headlines are everywhere. Many are quite sensational, ending with exclamation points or predicting impending doom for the industry. The sensationalizing of headlines and content has been an issue since the dawn of the internet, and housing news is not immune to it.”
Unfortunately, when information in the media isn’t clear, it can generate a lot of fear and uncertainty in the market. Says Jason Lewris, Co-Founder and Chief Data Officer at Parcl:
“In the absence of trust worthy, current information, real estate decisions are increasingly being driven by fear, uncertainty, and doubt.”
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Buying a home is a big decision, and it should be one
you feel confident making. You can lean on an expert to help you separate fact from fiction and get the answers you need.
The right agent can assist you in figuring out what’s going on at the national level and in your local area. They can debunk headlines using data you can trust. Experts have in-depth knowledge of the industry and can provide context, so you know how current trends compare to the normal ebbs and flows in the housing market, historical data, and more.
Then, to make sure you have the full picture, an agent can tell you if your local area is following the national trend or if they’re seeing something different in your market. Together, you can use all that information to make the best possible decision.
Making a move is a potentially life-changing milestone. It should be something you feel ready for and excited about.
And that’s where a trusted expert comes in.
The Difference Between Renting and Buying a Home
When deciding between buying a home or renting, think about these three important factors.
Buying a Home Means Avoiding Rising Rents
When You Rent: Your monthly payment generally goes up each time you sign or renew a lease.
When You Buy: With your fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payment is locked in for the length of your home loan.
Homeowners Own a Tangible and Valuable Asset
When You Rent: You won’t get any return on your investment as you pay your rent monthly.
When You Buy: As home prices rise, and as you pay down your home loan, you build equity.
Owning Your Home Grows Your Wealth Over Time
A monthly mortgage payment is often considered a forced savings account that helps homeowners build a net worth about 40 times higher than that of a renter.
– Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, NAR
When You Rent: When the cost of renting goes up, it’s more difficult to save money for a down payment to buy a home.
When You Buy: As you build equity through the years, you give your net worth a big boost.
PURCHASING PROCESS
YOUR PARTNER IN THE PROCESS
When you choose me to represent you, you’II have someone by your side every step of the way, giving you the insights and information you need to have confidence in your decision.
I will:
• Meet with you to discuss your needs and goals, and to plan your property search
• Help you get approved and establish your budget
• Show you properties that meet your criteria
• Keep you informed of new properties that come on the market
• Work with you until you find the right home
• Help you determine your offer
• Negotiate the offer and contract in your best interests
• Facilitate the home inspection and resolution process
• Prepare you for closing and the associated costs
• Keep you updated on the progress of your transaction every step of the way
THE POWER OF Being an approved Buyer
being an APPROVED BUYER CAN LIFT YOU ABOVE THE REST
Approved Buyer Program By Point Mortgage’s Point Direct
Point Mortgage’s Point Direct program gives all Coldwell Banker West clients the opportunity to participate in a no-nonsense, high quality mortgage experience that not only saves time but can save you tens of thousands in interest over the life of the loan.
Be An Approved Buyer
Being pre-approved means you have applied for a mortgage and you meet basic qualification standards. Being an approved buyer means more. It means you have met all lender requirements and have been fully underwritten. All that is needed is your new property. Close in as little as 8 days. You may not need to close this quick, but being an approved buyer may put your offer high above many other offers.
Ask your Coldwell Banker West agent about Point Direct today, or apply here:
My Website
The next stop on your home search? My website. Not only is it an easy way to check out all the available properties in your preferred area, it’s also another way for me to get to know the types of properties that you like. Simply register on the site, and I will receive updates about your activity.
And thanks to its responsive design, you can do it all from your mobile device, tablet or desktop!
Making an Offer
There are many factors that influence the market value of a home. I will give you the insight and information you need to make an offer you’re comfortable with. Some of the factors to consider include:
• How long the home has been on the market
• If the price has been reduced
• How much the home is worth — I will provide a comparable market analysis (CMA) showing the list and sale prices for similar homes in your area
• If there are multiple offers
• Other items that might be included in the sale (furniture, hot tub, etc.)
• The “list to sale price ratio,” an indication of how competitive the market is for homes in this area
• Why the seller is selling
• Whether the seller is offering an assumable loan or financing
Once the offer is written, I will present it to the seller’s agent. At that point the seller can accept your offer, reject it or counter it to start the negotiation process. I will work with you to plan a strategy to ensure the most advantageous terms and acceptable pricing for you and your budget.
Closing on your home
Once your offer has been accepted, the closing process begins. Here are some of the typical steps involved.
Home inspection — Most property sales are contingent on the results of a home inspection, which is paid for by the buyer. The inspection typically occurs within 10 days of offer acceptance, and includes a review of the home’s exterior elements like the roof, siding, trim and windows, as well as kitchen and bathroom fixtures and appliances, and major systems like heating and cooling, plumbing and electrical.
If defects are discovered during the inspection, you may exercise the remedy described in your offer or negotiate with the seller to determine what repairs will be made.
Title search — This is a historical review of all legal documents relating to ownership of the property to ensure that there are no claims against the title of the property. It is also recommended that you purchase title insurance in case the records contain errors or there are mistakes in the review process.
Appraisal — As a standard part of the mortgage process, your lender will order an appraisal report to ensure that the loan will be guaranteed by the home’s value.
Final walk-through — If it’s requested in the contract, you’ll be given the chance to look at the home to make sure it’s in the same condition as when you signed the sales agreement.
Closing costs — In addition to your deposit and down payment, there are a variety of other costs involved in closing including:
• Loan origination fees, appraisals and reports
• Surveys and inspections
• Mortgage insurance
• Hazard insurance
• Taxes
• Assessments
• Title insurance, notary and escrow fees
• Recording fees and stamps
FULL-SERVICE SUPPORT
From Start to Finish
Coldwell Banker West is your partner in all aspects of the home-buying process. Our affiliations with primary service providers ensure that you receive complete assistance from beginning to end, giving you one-stop-shop convenience.
MORTGAGE SERVICES — Our preferred lender provides mortgages and features incredibly low rates, fantastic customer service and a fast, simple process. Plus, with their Approved Buyer Program you’ll boost your offer high above others.
WARRANTY SERVICES — A home warranty provides an extra measure of security that makes you feel more comfortable and confident in the purchase of your home.
INSURANCE SERVICES — We can connect you with agencies that offer competitive rates on homeowners, condominium, renters, automobile, second home, vacant home and umbrella coverage.
COMMERCIAL SERVICES — Highly skilled Coldwell Banker Commercial® professionals offer a full spectrum of office, industrial, land, retail, multi-family and hospitality services.
TITLE SERVICES — Title issues will be researched and resolved before the closing to help ensure your transaction closes smoothly and on time.
BUYER SERVICES PLEDGE
Buyer(s):
Buyer(s) Address:
Coldwell Banker West is committed to providing the following services to help you purchase a property:
BUYER COUNSELING SESSION
We will offer you the opportunity to discuss your needs and goals, and to plan the search for your property.
HOMEBUYER GUIDEBOOK
If requested, we will provide you with a copy of the Homebuyer Guide and explain how you can use it as a road map through the home-buying process.
BUYER REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT
We will explain to you the representation agreement and the special services and benefits it offers.
BUYER AGENCY INFORMATION
We will discuss agency alternatives for you and the sellers. We will also provide you with an Agency Disclosure.
FINANCING/BUYER APPROVAL
We will offer to arrange a buyer approval appointment with our mortgage partner to assure the seller of your ability to close. A full buyer approval is a step above a pre-approval and will strengthen your position in a competitive situation.
PROPERTY SHOWING
We will show you properties that meet the criteria you have selected.
PROPERTY EVALUATION
We will discuss the positive and negative features of a property that may affect its value and future resale.
OUR PLEDGE TO YOU
OFFER PREPARATION
We will prepare a written offer on the property you choose to purchase, with terms approved by you.
OFFER PRESENTATION AND NEGOTIATION
We will present your offer to the seller or their designated representative and guide you through the entire negotiation process.
NEGOTIATION STRATEGY
If requested, we will prepare a Comparable Market Analysis for you. This may assist you in structuring your offer to purchase.
REVIEW OF WRITTEN SELLER DISCLOSURE
We will review with you the seller’s written disclosure statement to enable you to determine whether the property meets your requirements.
BUILDING INSPECTIONS
We recommend that you obtain a building inspection from a qualified professional and will provide companies for you to interview. You may also search online to find the company you wish to hire.
PROPERTY DISCLOSURES
We will review with you all inspection reports and other documents pertaining to the condition of the property and disclose all material defects of the property that are known to us.
BUILDING INSPECTION REMEDIES
If applicable, we will work with you to request the seller to remedy the items you specify after your review of the building inspection reports as your Offer to Purchase specifies.
HOME WARRANTY
We will explain to you the option of a home warranty plan to reduce your risk of repair after purchasing a property.
ESTIMATE OF FUNDS REQUIRED
When requested, our mortgage partner will provide you with a preliminary estimate of closing costs and down payment requirement anticipated in the transaction.
WALK-THROUGH
We will accompany you, if requested, on a walk-through of the property (if one is provided for in the sales contract) before closing, and we will assist you in dealing with any problems discovered during the walk-through.
CLOSING THE SALE
We will monitor and inform you of the progress of the purchase agreement, including the satisfaction of all contingencies and conditions during the entire transaction.
AFTER-SALE SERVICE
We will contact you after the closing to follow up on remaining details or service needs.
If you are not satisfied with our service to you at any time, we will make it right. Simply contact our main office at (619) 737-2126 and we will connect you with an office manager who will help you. Coldwell Banker West is one of the largest brokerages in the greater San Diego County market, which means we have vast resources and options available to overcome any obstacles. Give us the opportunity to address your concerns and you will be satisfied! Thank you very much for becoming one of our valued clients and welcome to the Coldwell Banker West Family.
Agent: Manager:
Getting Started
Your home-buying needs are one of a kind. Using the unmatched resources of the Coldwell Banker ® brand, I will develop a custom plan to:
• Provide you with proven, powerful and personal service
• Help you find the right home and negotiate the best possible price and terms for it
• Close the sale in a smooth, timely manner
We are committed to your complete satisfaction, and will represent your interests with the utmost care, honesty, integrity and discretion. Let’s get started!
